Rosslyn Chapel

This was an unknown tourist spot before the publication of The Da Vinci Code. Now it turned into a real pilgrimage despite all the mysteries.  But it deserves that propaganda is my view.  

Rosslyn Chapel is located in the village of Roslin, about 7 miles away from Edinburgh in Scotland.

From what is given in the artifacts, this chapel is founded by Prince of Orkney, Sir William St Clair in 1446. Sir William St Clair could be associated with Knights Templar. This evidence can be found inside the chapel on his grave which reads “William de St. Clair, Knights Templar”. You can find copious information about this chapel and its works, but whether it’s a hoax or a fact still remains a mystery.  

Let that alone, the aesthetics in architecture cannot be compared to any other chapels or cathedrals.  They are exquisite and one of its kinds which is why this chapel is referred as “Tapestry of Stones”. Each stone and carving tells a story about stonemasons, pagans, bible, and knights Templar.

 Some of the alters and sculptures seen at the exterior wall of the chapel.  There is always some renovation work going on all through the year.

 There are hundreds of individual figures and scenes intricately carved inside the chapel.  Each one has its own story.  For eg - the Apprentice Pillar. The pillar is said to be carved by an apprentice, while his master mason was at Rome. When the master came back he was shocked to see a masterpiece being completed by his apprentice. Out of jealousy the master mason struck the apprentice with his mallet and killed him on the spot. Whether it’s the historical fact or myth is beyond my knowledge.

You can also see leaves, flowers, plants, even Maize (Indian Corn) in abundance inside the chapel in the form of sculptures.  Another interesting sculpture is that of Green Man, which is said to symbolize paganism. You can count how many green man figures are there inside and outside the chapel. There are more than 100s of them.  Photography is not allowed inside the chapel, quite unfortunate! Some of the interesting carvings can be seen here:-  http://www.rosslynchapel.org.uk/history.php

Here's a collage of Rosslyn exterior architecture.  

And the lush green forest surrounding the chapel. 

The ornate carvings and depictions in stone are totally overwhelming to anyone who visits the chapel.  With so much of intricate and minute details, one can look at these storytelling stones for hours together.